It’s been a lifelong dream of Kami Cothrun to help children with autism.

Like the rest of the country, Ahwatukee Foothills karate studio owner David Hays was shocked and saddened by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut last month.

Got someone at home interested in martial arts? Children and adults can try free karate, kickboxing, jiu jitsu and combat hapkido classes at the grand opening for Stand & Command Martial Arts, taking place Saturday, Dec. 1, at 1118 N. Recker Road, Mesa.

By all accounts, Jay Moriarity was a lovely young man: a talented, dedicated surfer whose enthusiasm and optimism were infectious throughout the Santa Cruz, Calif., community where he was well known and loved.

When Eric Rodriguez was 7 years old, the Grant Woods Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley became his second home. Today it’s still his second home — and also his livelihood. He’s been the branch executive for the past three years.

Authorities say a Chandler man who's a karate instructor has been accused of child molestation.

It stands to reason that a girl with a third-degree black belt in karate can get - and keep - herself out of trouble.

It can sometimes be a challenge to spark interest in kids, especially the younger ones, to keep them at school after the final class bell rings. But it is a challenge the after-school teachers and coaches look forward to conquering at Kyrene schools across the district.

From musical theater to karate to making movies with Legos, spring means new classes through the Tempe Union High School District community education department.

Just over two years ago, the Mesa Unified School District voted to close Powell Junior High School as a neighborhood school.

Bo Pelini was in a groove.

Maricopa and Pima counties' after-school programs need to create a buzz about what's available, take better advantage of federally funded meal programs that could provide breakfast, snacks or even dinner to participants, and reach out more to at-risk students.

“Rather ironic to hear Pope Benedict XVI condemning the commercialism of Christmas wearing a ruby encrusted, 18-karat gold bullion thread embroidered mitered hat and surrounded by solid 18-karat gold crosses, three-inch candlesticks and a diamond-encrusted solid gold chalice that was so heavy that he could barely lift it up. Maybe we all need to “see through the superficial glitter” this Christmas and through out the year.”

Chandler police are seeking the public's help in locating six men officers say committed jewelry fraud over a two-year period throughout the southwestern United States, scamming a number of people in Chandler and the Valley.

The number of Arizona children in after-school programs jumped 4 percent from 2004 to 2009, even amid job losses and an economic downturn.

Thirty years ago, Jim Raemisch decided to try martial arts. Under the instruction of Dr. Sang Kee Paik - a legendary figure in Taekwondo - Raemisch found a passion that lives on today.

Karate is truly a family affair for the Roeske clan. Brother and sister James and Emily Roeske have taken the reins of Surprise Family Karate, the facility the 20-somethings and their mother, Ellie, opened in July to the community in order to offer kids and families a unique activity in which to partake.

Best known as the tough personal trainer and life coach on NBC's hit reality show "The Biggest Loser," Jillian Michaels is now on the panel of CBS's "The Doctors." She is sharing her years of knowledge about nutrition, exercise and psychology with viewers. She is a best-selling author, and her most recent book, "Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life," is a candid account of her own life journey. She is outspoken about the advantages that therapy gave her. She recently decided to leave "The Biggest Loser" to concentrate on raising a family.

The Gilbert Unified School District is now offering registration online for its before- and after-school program, known as VIK, and extracurricular activities (Club Discovery). Parents can find the information at the district website, www.gilbertschools.net. Club Discovery offers programs such as karate, golf, dance, chess, mathematics and more. The VIK program begins when classes start Aug. 10. Club Discovery courses start later that month.